Von Bananen & Rücken

I deeply regretted what I had said to Jamie about Julie and Rowan. I needed to apologize. I found him in the stable.

Gillian: “Jamie, I want to apologize. It was all a misunderstanding. I’m sorry I accused you and said such awful things.”

Jamie: “It did hurt that you thought I was capable of that. But I forgive you — on one condition: you come with me to the blacksmith and hold up the hooves.”

I agreed to the deal, and we headed to Moorland.

Gillian: “Four horses?! If I had known that… I might have reconsidered your forgiveness.”

Jamie: “You’ve got to suffer a little. But afterward, I’ll treat you to a banana in Moorland.”

I held up the hooves for all four horses while they were being shod, and my back felt like it was about to snap in half. Afterward, we stopped by the fruit stand.

Jamie: “Hey, aren’t those Claire and Justin over there? Suspicious… see how fast rumors start?”

Gillian: “Oh no, I’ll never straighten my back again… yes, that’s them. Justin invited Claire. I absolutely have to talk to her about Rowan.”

Back at Meadowland, I went straight to Claire.

Gillian: “We were wrong, Claire. Rowan only helped Julie find a jumping saddle. That’s why they were in Jorvik City.”

Claire: “Oh man, I’m such an idiot! I’m going to the estate. I have to talk to Rowan.”

And she was gone. At the estate, Rowan was standing in front of the stable.

Claire: “… I thought you and Julie were together now. I was really sad… I’m so stupid! I’ve just been so worried about you.”

Rowan: “How could you think that? You should have asked me. We know each other inside out. We can talk about anything.”

Claire explained how much he had changed since the accident — how it scared her. Without riding, he wasn’t himself anymore. She told him she wanted to help him overcome his fears. Rowan was deeply unhappy too. Show jumping was his life. They talked for a long time and decided to face it together. In the end, the friends hugged, relieved that everything had finally been said.

Claire: [thought bubble] “Somehow this doesn’t feel like ‘just friendship’ anymore. I was so jealous of Julie. Should I tell him how I feel?”

Rowan: [thought bubble] “I love Claire. She understands what’s going on inside me and is always there for me. I’d do anything for her. If only I could just tell her…”

When Claire returned from the estate, she came straight to the stable.

Claire: “I’m so glad Rowan and I talked things through. And that he wants to find a way with me to overcome his fears. What’s wrong with Gillian? She looks kind of crooked.”

Jamie: “No idea. We were in Moorland and I invited her for a snack. But the Rowan thing is great. If I can help, just tell me.”

I tried to head back to the house, but my back hurt so badly that I had to sit down on the bench under the tree first. It took quite a while before someone came by. It was Josh.

Josh: “Gillian, you’ve been sitting here alone for over an hour. What’s going on? Did something happen?”

Gillian: “Josh! Thank goodness you’re here. My back is killing me and I can’t get up. Please help me.”

He helped me up, and with great effort I made it to the front door — just as Jamie appeared.

Jamie: “Do you perhaps require assistance, Ma’am? I would selflessly offer to escort you inside.”

Gillian: “Jamie, buzz off! Once I can stand straight again, you’re in trouble… four horses — I won’t forget that!”